Way Too Early Look at a 2016 Lineup

[ucahogfan]

Going to start off this thread with a couple of ground rules:

-  Each poster can feel free to post how they see the lineup looking.  This is meant to be a fun early look to see how everyone in EI looks at the 2016 team right now.  However, each poster needs to come up with expectations of who they all think is staying and going.  That means other posters please do not come in and say so and so is not going to sign after being drafted or so and so is transferring to a JUCO.  That is just useless thread clutter and takes away from the spirit of the topic which is seeing how other posters view this team 8 months before first pitch.

-  Most importantly, enjoy this thread and the best forum on Hogville.

My Expectations:

-  All current Hogs who are drafted sign with the teams that drafted him.
-  Jacob Schlesener will not sign with the Cardinals and make it to campus.
-  Blake Wiggins, Nathan Rodriguez, and Jonah Patten transfer.  No one else does.
-  Max Hogan cannot play baseball again because of an injury.

Position Players

Catcher - Tucker Pennell (Senior) - He really came on strong at the end of the year at the plate with some key hits in the postseason.  He is also a very strong catch and throw guy who deters opposing teams from running most of the time.  He could improve some at receiving the ball, but it will be nice to have a senior behind the plate.

Early Expectations - .235/.300/.320, 38-40% caught stealing rate

Backups - Alex Gosser (Junior) and Grant Koch (Freshman) - Gosser is the better receiver IMO, but Pennell's catch and throw skills are superior.  It will be a battle to see who wins it, but I think Pennell wins out in the end.  I have seen where Koch could potentially be an OF here as well ala former HS teammate Carson Shaddy.

First Base - Clark Eagan (Junior) - Word is that Eagan will require surgery on his shoulder this summer and won't play summer ball.  It is not a big deal for someone with two years under their belt already.  Just need to get him healthy.  At his best, his is a very good hitter who plays excellent defense at 1B.  He is also athletic enough to hit lead off for us.

Early Expectations - .320/.415/.460, 25 XBHs, 60 runs scored

Backups - Chad Spanberger (Sophomore), Culler Gassaway (Senior) - A lot of power, but also a lot of swing and miss.

Second Base - Rick Nomura (Senior) - After getting off to a strong start, he hit a big slump early on in SEC play before bouncing back later in the year.  He is also a very strong defender at 2B and makes baseball fun to watch.  I'm glad we are getting a second year out of him.  He provides a solid senior presence up the middle just like we get with Pennell behind the plate.  I would like to see DVH let him run more in 2016.

Early Expectations - .320/.400/.460, 25 XBHs, 55 runs scored, 20 SBs

Backups - Matt Campbell (RS Junior), Cody Scroggins (Freshman) - Really too early to tell what we will get out of the backups.

Shortstop - Brett McAfee (RS Senior) - He has had an up and down career at Arkansas with injuries, but is a solid player when he is healthy.  He is a solid defender and a very good athlete.  There is some pop in the bat, but more gap power than anything.  Gives us a third senior in a crucial up the middle spot.

Early Expectations - .320/.400/.440, 20 XBHs, 40 RBIs

Backups - Michael Bernal (RS Senior), Matt Campbell (RS Junior), Drew Tyler (Freshman) - Again, too early to tell what we will get out of the backups.

Third Base - Michael Bernal (RS Senior) - This might surprise some people, but he had the second highest OBP of all our regulars.  He also has a cannon attached to his right arm and has some pop in his bat.  He did a much better job defensively this year making the routine play this year, but I think he moves over to 3B in 2016 because it is something DVH has done before with McAfee at SS.

Early Expectations - .285/.405/.410, 5-7 HRs, 35-40 RBIs

Backups - Rick Nomura (Senior), Matt Campbell (RS Junior) - Too early to tell again.

Left Field - Luke Bonfield (Sophomore) - The broken ankle ruined what was going to be a very good freshman year.  I will be watching him closely on the Cape where hopefully he gets about 100 ABs or more.  DVH consistently praised him last year before the injury.  Word is that he can improve some in the field, but who can't?  With him being draft eligible, I think he has a monster year.

Early Expectations - .340/.425/.600, 12-15 HRs, 50-60 RBIs

Backups - Eric Cole (Freshman), Andrew Bolin (Freshman) - Cole is a 65-70 runner who is probably a CF.  Don't know much about Bolin except he lit up small school ball in Oklahoma.  Could be a big transition for him like with Benintendi.

Center Field - Carson Shaddy (RS Sophomore) - Who knows if a former C can handle CF defensively, but there is some thunder in his bat.  I think some of the swing and miss in his game goes away by playing every day, but he is a middle of the order hitter for us.  He might move to a corner OF spot, but I have him in CF right now.

Early Expectations - .325/.400/.525, 10-12 HRs, 45-50 RBIs

Backups - Eric Cole (Freshman), Andrew Bolin (Freshman)

Right Field - Jack Benninghoff (RS Freshman) - If you like defense, you will like what Benninghoff has to offer.  A plus arm and can cover some ground.  You could switch him and Shaddy, but I see Benninghoff and Spoon being similar players.  Just like Bonfield, I will be watching Benninghoff closely this summer when he gets consistent ABs up north.

Early Expectations - .290/.360/.415, 20 XBHs, 10 SBs

Backups - Eric Cole (Freshman), Andrew Bolin (Freshman)

Designated Hitter - Chad Spanberger (Sophomore) - The robbed HR in Hoover changed his season.  He wasn't the same hitter after that.  He needs to go out to Cali and regain his confidence.  He has big time power and is primed for a big sophomore year.  He will probably also post high strike out and walk numbers.

Early Expectations - .290/.405/.550, 15-17 HRs, 55 RBIs

Backups - Cullen Gassaway (Senior)

My Lineup:

1.  Eagan - 1B
2.  Nomura - 2B
3.  Bonfield - LF
4.  Spanberger - DH
5.  Shaddy - CF
6.  McAfee - SS
7.  Benninghoff - RF
8.  Pennell - C
9.  Bernal - 3B

Weekend Pitchers

Friday - Keaton McKinney (Sophomore) - He ended the season on a very solid start and is primed for a big sophomore season.  As long as he keeps his fastball velo at 88, he is a dominant starter because of that change.  That is crazy to think that someone can do that in the SEC.  If he gets to where he is working 90-92 and hitting 94, he will be an AA.  Hopefully he has a nice summer where he gets healthy and stronger.

Saturday - Dominic Taccolini (Junior) - It was tough to see him go down at the end of the year, but hopefully he comes back and has his best year yet.  He was at his best when he worked the sinker at the knees and induced a lot of weak contact.  Just like all of our returners, he can do a better job of attacking the zone and throwing more strikes.

Sunday - James Teague (Junior) - He had a very solid sophomore year and is primed for a huge junior year.  At his best, he works 90-93 and hits 95 on occasion with a wipeout slider.  That is what you like to see out of a Sunday starter in the SEC.  Needs to throw strikes more consistently.

The Weapon - Zach Jackson (Junior) - 93-96 with a hammer and swing and miss change.  Potential top 5 pick in 2016.  I like to have him available in the pen on Friday and Saturday just in case.  If we don't throw him out of the pen on Friday or Saturday, have him start Sunday, but he is too good IMO to just use him as a weekend starter.  He is versatile and a weapon for this team.

Relief - Parker Sanburn (RS Sophomore) - Didn't throw many innings because he struggled to find the zone, but the stuff is electric.  93-95 with a promising breaking ball is very similar to what his older brother had.  Hopefully he harnesses that stuff and attacks hitters in the zone.

Relief - Dalton Moats (Junior) - Don't know much about him, but he has been drafted before and gives us a LHP out of the pen.

Relief - Kyle Pate (Sophomore) - Like Sanburn, didn't throw much this year, but has good stuff.  His fastball has natural cut which makes it tough to barrel up.  Just needs to throw more strikes.

Relief - Cannon Chadwick (Junior) - Had a tough adjustment to D1 ball.  Supposed to have a nasty slider, but needs to throw more strikes.

Three Freshmen Pitchers to Watch

Ty Harris - A top 100 player in his class and a LHP who has been committed to Arkansas for a very long time.  Will spend the summer out in Cali playing against collegiate players like Nathan Rodriguez did last year so he will essentially come in as a RS Freshman.  He has hit 92 in the past and has an injury history with TJ, but the talent is there.

Jacob Schlesener - A 12th round pick of the Cardinals who has a lot of talent in his arm and has shown a lot of improvement over the last year.  He works 89-92 with a good slider and plus change.  He could be our midweek starter this year.

Blaine Knight - He will spend the summer playing with Ty Harris in Cali which means he will face some excellent competition this summer.  I'm excited to see how he does.

[Music City Razorback]

Awesome job...really good look at next year.  It looks like we lose Serrano, Wernes, Benintendi and Spoon along with Killian, Phillips and Lowery.  Am I missing any other regulars?  Those are big shoes to fill, but reason to believe another run could happen in 2016.

[Matt1224]

I just made a mock lineup myself. My assumptions were the same as yours UCA
1. Eagan CF - I expect he can leadoff again and hit close to .300
2. Nomura 2B - after a full season I think next year he stays sharp at the end and is a .300 guy
3. Bonfield 1B - I'm HOPING for 10 HR and a .275 average. He can be a big target at 1st
4. Spanberger 3B - seems like PG had him as a 3B. The ball jumps off his bat - 8HR is reasonable
5. Bernal SS - I don't like him lower in the lineup bc of the inability to put ball in play at times
6. Benninghoff RF - the arm seals the deal for me. I'm anticipating .270 4HR
7. McAfee DH - solid senior bat in the lineup. I think he struggles early and puts up a .280 season
8. Pennell C - he's IMO the best option at C and he had a good postseason .245 is my expectation
9. Shaddy LF - I like him 9th for a good bat to turn over the lineup. Plus if he's in front of Pennell it's more likely for double plays

Friday SP - McKinney
Saturday SP - Taco
Sunday SP - Teague

Closer - ZJ. I think he's going to start early but I don't think he has the identity of a starter. His last two appearances he was concerned more with locating pitches early in a sequence that were breaking balls (starter mindset). To me - he was best when he set up the slide piece with his heat. More of a swing and miss strategy which is a closer

Weekday starters I have
Ty Harris
Chadwick

I also expect Cole to get lots of PT

[Big Nasty 34]

This is definitely just a rough draft, and I think next year's lineups will defer on whether facing LHP or RHP

C Pennell
1B/DH Gassaway/Spanberger
2B Nomura
3B McAfee
SS Bernal
LF Bonfield
CF Shady
RF Eagan

Nomura
Shaddy
Eagan
Bonfield
McAfee
Gassaway
Bernal
Spanberger
Pennel

Eagan to the outfield depends a lot on his health I'm sure. I think Benninghof will be a nice contributor too. Or hope at least!

Weekend rotation of
McKinney
Jackson
Teague

Taco to pen as reliable closer/long reliever.

[bulldog04]

1. Matt Campbell-SS
2. Nomura-2b (these guys could swap in the lineup)
3. Bonfield-LF
4. Spanberger/ Gassaway- DH
5. Eagan-1B
6. Shaddy-RF
7. Bernal-3B
8. Benninghoff-CF
9. Pennell-C

Friday- KMac
Saturday-ZJ
Sunday- Teague

The main guy in the pen- Taco

[SPAL]

Eagan-LF
Nomura-2nd
Shaddy-CF
Spanberger -1st
Bonfield-Dh
Mcafee-SS
Benninghoff-RF
Bernal-3rd
Pennell-C

Kmac
Jackson
Taccolini

Teague -long relief/spot starter

Moats-setup

Sanburn-closer

Alberius/Chadwick/Schlesener -midweek starters

Pate-specialist

[jry04]

Going to start off this thread with a couple of ground rules:

-  Each poster can feel free to post how they see the lineup looking.  This is meant to be a fun early look to see how everyone in EI looks at the 2016 team right now.  However, each poster needs to come up with expectations of who they all think is staying and going.  That means other posters please do not come in and say so and so is not going to sign after being drafted or so and so is transferring to a JUCO.  That is just useless thread clutter and takes away from the spirit of the topic which is seeing how other posters view this team 8 months before first pitch.

-  Most importantly, enjoy this thread and the best forum on Hogville.

My Expectations:

-  All current Hogs who are drafted sign with the teams that drafted him.
-  Jacob Schlesener will not sign with the Cardinals and make it to campus.
-  Blake Wiggins, Nathan Rodriguez, and Jonah Patten transfer.  No one else does.
-  Max Hogan cannot play baseball again because of an injury.

Position Players

Catcher - Tucker Pennell (Senior) - He really came on strong at the end of the year at the plate with some key hits in the postseason.  He is also a very strong catch and throw guy who deters opposing teams from running most of the time.  He could improve some at receiving the ball, but it will be nice to have a senior behind the plate.

Early Expectations - .235/.300/.320, 38-40% caught stealing rate

Backups - Alex Gosser (Junior) and Grant Koch (Freshman) - Gosser is the better receiver IMO, but Pennell's catch and throw skills are superior.  It will be a battle to see who wins it, but I think Pennell wins out in the end.  I have seen where Koch could potentially be an OF here as well ala former HS teammate Carson Shaddy.

First Base - Clark Eagan (Junior) - Word is that Eagan will require surgery on his shoulder this summer and won't play summer ball.  It is not a big deal for someone with two years under their belt already.  Just need to get him healthy.  At his best, his is a very good hitter who plays excellent defense at 1B.  He is also athletic enough to hit lead off for us.

Early Expectations - .320/.415/.460, 25 XBHs, 60 runs scored

Backups - Chad Spanberger (Sophomore), Culler Gassaway (Senior) - A lot of power, but also a lot of swing and miss.

Second Base - Rick Nomura (Senior) - After getting off to a strong start, he hit a big slump early on in SEC play before bouncing back later in the year.  He is also a very strong defender at 2B and makes baseball fun to watch.  I'm glad we are getting a second year out of him.  He provides a solid senior presence up the middle just like we get with Pennell behind the plate.  I would like to see DVH let him run more in 2016.

Early Expectations - .320/.400/.460, 25 XBHs, 55 runs scored, 20 SBs

Backups - Matt Campbell (RS Junior), Cody Scroggins (Freshman) - Really too early to tell what we will get out of the backups.

Shortstop - Brett McAfee (RS Senior) - He has had an up and down career at Arkansas with injuries, but is a solid player when he is healthy.  He is a solid defender and a very good athlete.  There is some pop in the bat, but more gap power than anything.  Gives us a third senior in a crucial up the middle spot.

Early Expectations - .320/.400/.440, 20 XBHs, 40 RBIs

Backups - Michael Bernal (RS Senior), Matt Campbell (RS Junior), Drew Tyler (Freshman) - Again, too early to tell what we will get out of the backups.

Third Base - Michael Bernal (RS Senior) - This might surprise some people, but he had the second highest OBP of all our regulars.  He also has a cannon attached to his right arm and has some pop in his bat.  He did a much better job defensively this year making the routine play this year, but I think he moves over to 3B in 2016 because it is something DVH has done before with McAfee at SS.

Early Expectations - .285/.405/.410, 5-7 HRs, 35-40 RBIs

Backups - Rick Nomura (Senior), Matt Campbell (RS Junior) - Too early to tell again.

Left Field - Luke Bonfield (Sophomore) - The broken ankle ruined what was going to be a very good freshman year.  I will be watching him closely on the Cape where hopefully he gets about 100 ABs or more.  DVH consistently praised him last year before the injury.  Word is that he can improve some in the field, but who can't?  With him being draft eligible, I think he has a monster year.

Early Expectations - .340/.425/.600, 12-15 HRs, 50-60 RBIs

Backups - Eric Cole (Freshman), Andrew Bolin (Freshman) - Cole is a 65-70 runner who is probably a CF.  Don't know much about Bolin except he lit up small school ball in Oklahoma.  Could be a big transition for him like with Benintendi.

Center Field - Carson Shaddy (RS Sophomore) - Who knows if a former C can handle CF defensively, but there is some thunder in his bat.  I think some of the swing and miss in his game goes away by playing every day, but he is a middle of the order hitter for us.  He might move to a corner OF spot, but I have him in CF right now.

Early Expectations - .325/.400/.525, 10-12 HRs, 45-50 RBIs

Backups - Eric Cole (Freshman), Andrew Bolin (Freshman)

Right Field - Jack Benninghoff (RS Freshman) - If you like defense, you will like what Benninghoff has to offer.  A plus arm and can cover some ground.  You could switch him and Shaddy, but I see Benninghoff and Spoon being similar players.  Just like Bonfield, I will be watching Benninghoff closely this summer when he gets consistent ABs up north.

Early Expectations - .290/.360/.415, 20 XBHs, 10 SBs

Backups - Eric Cole (Freshman), Andrew Bolin (Freshman)

Designated Hitter - Chad Spanberger (Sophomore) - The robbed HR in Hoover changed his season.  He wasn't the same hitter after that.  He needs to go out to Cali and regain his confidence.  He has big time power and is primed for a big sophomore year.  He will probably also post high strike out and walk numbers.

Early Expectations - .290/.405/.550, 15-17 HRs, 55 RBIs

Backups - Cullen Gassaway (Senior)

My Lineup:

1.  Eagan - 1B
2.  Nomura - 2B
3.  Bonfield - LF
4.  Spanberger - DH
5.  Shaddy - CF
6.  McAfee - SS
7.  Benninghoff - RF
8.  Pennell - C
9.  Bernal - 3B

Weekend Pitchers

Friday - Keaton McKinney (Sophomore) - He ended the season on a very solid start and is primed for a big sophomore season.  As long as he keeps his fastball velo at 88, he is a dominant starter because of that change.  That is crazy to think that someone can do that in the SEC.  If he gets to where he is working 90-92 and hitting 94, he will be an AA.  Hopefully he has a nice summer where he gets healthy and stronger.

Saturday - Dominic Taccolini (Junior) - It was tough to see him go down at the end of the year, but hopefully he comes back and has his best year yet.  He was at his best when he worked the sinker at the knees and induced a lot of weak contact.  Just like all of our returners, he can do a better job of attacking the zone and throwing more strikes.

Sunday - James Teague (Junior) - He had a very solid sophomore year and is primed for a huge junior year.  At his best, he works 90-93 and hits 95 on occasion with a wipeout slider.  That is what you like to see out of a Sunday starter in the SEC.  Needs to throw strikes more consistently.

The Weapon - Zach Jackson (Junior) - 93-96 with a hammer and swing and miss change.  Potential top 5 pick in 2016.  I like to have him available in the pen on Friday and Saturday just in case.  If we don't throw him out of the pen on Friday or Saturday, have him start Sunday, but he is too good IMO to just use him as a weekend starter.  He is versatile and a weapon for this team.

Relief - Parker Sanburn (RS Sophomore) - Didn't throw many innings because he struggled to find the zone, but the stuff is electric.  93-95 with a promising breaking ball is very similar to what his older brother had.  Hopefully he harnesses that stuff and attacks hitters in the zone.

Relief - Dalton Moats (Junior) - Don't know much about him, but he has been drafted before and gives us a LHP out of the pen.

Relief - Kyle Pate (Sophomore) - Like Sanburn, didn't throw much this year, but has good stuff.  His fastball has natural cut which makes it tough to barrel up.  Just needs to throw more strikes.

Relief - Cannon Chadwick (Junior) - Had a tough adjustment to D1 ball.  Supposed to have a nasty slider, but needs to throw more strikes.

Three Freshmen Pitchers to Watch

Ty Harris - A top 100 player in his class and a LHP who has been committed to Arkansas for a very long time.  Will spend the summer out in Cali playing against collegiate players like Nathan Rodriguez did last year so he will essentially come in as a RS Freshman.  He has hit 92 in the past and has an injury history with TJ, but the talent is there.

Jacob Schlesener - A 12th round pick of the Cardinals who has a lot of talent in his arm and has shown a lot of improvement over the last year.  He works 89-92 with a good slider and plus change.  He could be our midweek starter this year.

Blaine Knight - He will spend the summer playing with Ty Harris in Cali which means he will face some excellent competition this summer.  I'm excited to see how he does.

I see a lot of the same potential in averages as you. Some called me crazy for expecting that much improvement, so I am glad I am not the only one. I think Bernal will do better than .285 personally, though. I know he was pretty awful in Omaha, but he really had some big at bats for us as the season went on. He become a tough out almost every trip to the plate until Omaha. He had the ability to foul off a lot of pitches until he got one he liked.

Only two things we disagree on there is Shaddy hitting for that many HRs, and Jackson not starting. I would be perfectly fine with you being right, though.

I think we see our pitching staff return to form, and have one of the better ERAs in the SEC. If everyone develops like they usually do under Jorn, then we will have 5 or 6 good options returning. Teague and Taco should be much more reliable next year. I feel like both, when they can locate their pitches, can be dominant. I personally see Taco having a Brandon Moore type role next year. He reminds me a lot of Moore. McKinney will develop a 3rd pitch in the offseason, and should be one of the better pitchers in the SEC next season. Jackson could challenge Puk for the best pitcher in the SEC next season, whether its as a starter or out of the pen. I expect big things from Sanburn, too.

That isn't even counting the guys coming in. We will be able to have LHPs to matchup with lefties at the plate. Harris is a top 100 recruit according to perfect game, and Moats looks like he could be the real deal. Just those 2 to go with who we have returning will already make this a deeper and more talented pitching staff than we had this season. I do not know anything about Schlesener, but it sounds like he will contribute right away, too.

We may not have a star like AB, but I think as a team we will hit for a better average, and will no doubt have a deeper pitching staff. You can never bet on Omaha, but I think we will have a more complete team than we did this year.

[onebadrubi]

This thread will hopefully stick around throughout the summer and fall and we can see how things shake out.  But UCA and JRY, thanks for what you guys brought to this forum this year. 

I don't follow these kids until they get to College so my contribution is pointless here.  But I would like to say, I think we need some personality in the dugout.  The fire/smoke show in the dugout was tremendous to see, I think we need to see that personality throughout the season, not just in Omaha going forward.  I hope one or two of these young guys brings that in.  They don't have to be raw raw type of guy, the bat, the glove, a throw can do it.  But sometimes when those three aren't doing it maybe a dugout raw raw situation is necessary. 

I hate this time of year.  We need something to get use to Kick off of football, cause at that point August to june goes by so quick from Football, Basketball, then Baum. 

[jry04]

I hate this time of year.  We need something to get use to Kick off of football, cause at that point August to june goes by so quick from Football, Basketball, then Baum. 

Agreed. I feel like the off-season is always much harder as a fan after losing in Omaha. This was my first time making the trip to Omaha, and seeing all of these teams still play makes me anxious for next season. It sucks to think we no longer have a weekend series at Baum to look forward to for 7-8 more months.

[jry04]

DVH just said he thinks Bonfield will be on a mission to have a better season next year, and that he sees Eagan in the OF as long as someone else can play at first.

[bulldog04]

Spoon and Wernes will sign

[jry04]

DVH is giving Jackson a chance to start.

[RussVegas Hawg]

Said Mcafee won't be back.  Wonder what's up there?

[jry04]

Said Mcafee won't be back.  Wonder what's up there?

That is no good. Clears up our middle infield questions, but I was hoping him or Bernal would slide over to 3rd.

[flippinhogmana]

DVH just said he thinks Bonfield will be on a mission to have a better season next year, and that he sees Eagan in the OF as long as someone else can play at first.

DVH is giving Jackson a chance to start.

Spoon and Wernes will sign

I think DVH is just stating what most of us knew about this years team and what some of us were already thinking about how next year's team would shake out.  We knew that we were light on pitching.  Give Jorn and DVH credit: they used the midweek games to get at least Lowery, McKinney and Teague, Phillips going to some extinct.  The problem was those took too long to get going and the time couldn't be devoted to others.  We ran out of time.  Baseball is like that.  You think you have a team ready and they just don't jell sometimes as soon as you think.  The only letdown about this team is that we didnt do much development with freshmen, especially pitchers.  It wasnt for lack of effort, they either didnt come through in time or just not at all.  The only thing we could have done differently would be to have written the year off and just concentrated on development.  I am glad we didnt do that.

In the end, DVH and Jorn did about as good a coaching job as anyone else could have. 

Since he didnt say in the negative, I think we can assume Bernal, Nomura, and probably Pennell will have us in good shape up the middle, I think along with SPAL that Beninghoff will get the tryout at CF.  I think that if Spanberger or Gassaway can do a credible job at 1st you play one there and DH the other (We need both their bats in the lineup).  If Bonfield takes Beni's example and comes back ready to elevate his game in a big way and can handle LF adequately at least, you play him there. 

If you remember for a couple of years, Serrano was no gift there, but by the end of his senior year was a pretty good defensive left fielder.  I kinda thought Shaddy might get a try in right.  I think you leave 3rd base and right field, left field open a crack for a surprise freshman or two.  Hopefully our pitching will be good enough to carry us since we arent apt to be as good offensively this year.  I also notice he didnt mention Killian.

[jry04]

I think DVH is just stating what most of us knew about this years team and what some of us were already thinking about how next year's team would shake out.  We knew that we were light on pitching.  Give Jorn and DVH credit: they used the midweek games to get at least Lowery, McKinney and Teague, Phillips going to some extinct.  The problem was those took too long to get going and the time couldn't be devoted to others.  We ran out of time.  Baseball is like that.  You think you have a team ready and they just don't jell sometimes as soon as you think.  The only letdown about this team is that we didnt do much development with freshmen, especially pitchers.  It wasnt for lack of effort, they either didnt come through in time or just not at all.  The only thing we could have done differently would be to have written the year off and just concentrated on development.  I am glad we didnt do that.

In the end, DVH and Jorn did about as good a coaching job as anyone else could have. 

Since he didnt say in the negative, I think we can assume Bernal, Nomura, and probably Pennell will have us in good shape up the middle, I think along with SPAL that Beninghoff will get the tryout at CF.  I think that if Spanberger or Gassaway can do a credible job at 1st you play one there and DH the other (We need both their bats in the lineup).  If Bonfield takes Beni's example and comes back ready to elevate his game in a big way and can handle LF adequately at least, you play him there. 

If you remember for a couple of years, Serrano was no gift there, but by the end of his senior year was a pretty good defensive left fielder.  I kinda though Shaddy might get a try in right.  I think you leave 3rd base and right field, left field open a crack for a surprise freshman or two.  Hopefully our pitching will be good enough to carry us since we arent apt to be as good offensively this year.  I also notice he didnt mention Killian.

Yeah, Benninghoff is probably the one player I look forward to the most. He is supposed to have a solid bat, but his arm is great.

I think he didn't mention Killian because he was a 9th rounder, and Killian already said he thought this would be his last year.

[flippinhogmana]

Yeah, Benninghoff is probably the one player I look forward to the most. He is supposed to have a solid bat, but his arm is great.

I think he didn't mention Killian because he was a 9th rounder, and Killian already said he thought this would be his last year.

If this is going to be another year anything like the last two I hope Trey signs, but if he can come back healthy and pitch lights out, then I hope he comes back.  In the end I think he would make a whole lot more money.  I dont know what DVH was thinking, and I dont know quite what to think either.  I just will support whatever Trey decides.

[ricepig]

Said Mcafee won't be back.  Wonder what's up there?

Several asked, so here's DVH's full statement on Brett McAfee. (@JohnPerdue72 @keithcullum @AndyDavis1234 @RaeA_94) http://t.co/xvHW1g9Hi7

[bulldog04]

So we have all have a general idea now after that presser.  The main question i have is at SS and 3B.  Does Bernal stay at SS and we have a frosh or someone on campus play 3rd?  Or does Bernal moved to 3rd and we have a new SS?  On my prediction I have Matt Campbell at short but know nothing about him except his recruiting reports and reports from fall ball

[dotnet]

I haven't listend to the presser - but i always thought Eagan would be in the OF.  He is too good of an athlete to play 1b when there are lesser athletes with good bats who could play that position and DH - Bonfield, Spanberger, Gassaway, etc.

Assuming your standard health and standard offseason improvement, the top of the pitching staff will be really good.  However there is currently too big of a gap between pitcher number 4 and pitcher number 5 to really sustain something.  That is what I am looking for most in the offseason.

[Big Nasty 34]

Well.. Third base is wide open. Any idea if spanburger can play over there? On his recruiting profile it mentions him playing first and third. I guess right now the ideal lineup would have him at third, gassaway at first, Bonfield DH and benninghof roaming CF

[SPAL]

I still say bernal moves to 3rd. I'm not sure how Drew Tyler is with the stick, but defensively, he seems to have the tools. He has a inf velocity of 87-88 which is a good range for a mif. Pretty good range as well. 6-0 190 is good size.

His 60 time is 6.8 which is adequate for a MIF.

Hard to break into the lineup as a freshman though.

[dotnet]

Hard to break into the lineup as a freshman though.

yeah, its hard for me to count on a freshman who isn't rated a top 100-200 prospect out of high school because the transition is so hard.  Granted, AB, Bonfield, and Wiggins had injuries... but Spanberger had a really good freshman season and you want more than that out of your starting 3B. 

At the same time, some guys can come in as a freshman and really contribute.  Eagan seemingly came out of no where with his freshman season. 

[dotnet]

After listening to the press conference, I think the best guess is:

Nomura - 2b
Eagan - CF
Bonfield - LF/DH
Spanberger - DH/LF/1b/3b
Gassaway/Shaddy - LF/1b
Benninghoff - RF
Bernal - SS / 3b
Campbell - 3b / SS
Pennell / Shaddy - C

DVH seemed high on Beninghoff which is good to hear.

Biggest question mark - 3b

Biggest log jam - 1b/LF/DH between Spanberger/Bonfield/Shaddy/Gassaway... assuming eagan and benninghoff nail down CF and RF.  I would be really surprised if Benninghoff, eagan, Bonfield, and Spanberger weren't in the normal every day lineup. 

Pitching is almost impossible because you have to depend on so many guys to improve or come in ready to fill out the bullpen and mid week spots.

Running out a starting rotation with three of the big four will be able to compete with any rotation in the country though

[SPAL]

From what I'm hearing, that log jam at first is why Wiggins left. He wanted to play first and didn't wanna move to 3rd.

[ricepig]

From what I'm hearing, that log jam at first is why Wiggins left. He wanted to play first and didn't wanna move to 3rd.

From my untrained eye, he wasn't a third baseman.

[Scott7703]

From what I'm hearing, that log jam at first is why Wiggins left. He wanted to play first and didn't wanna move to 3rd.

I was excited to see his bat in the lineup everyday. Wish he had hung around and gave it a go. Do you all see us adding any other juco hitters late?

[SPAL]

I was excited to see his bat in the lineup everyday. Wish he had hung around and gave it a go. Do you all see us adding any other juco hitters late?

Are you asking about 16?

[Scott7703]

Are you asking about 16?

I guess they would be 15 recruits to play in 16.

[Lake City Hog]

                Current Roster by position group

Keaton McKinney   RHP   R/R   Fr   6-5   220
Dominic Taccolini   RHP   R/R   So   6-3   215
James Teague        RHP   R/R   So   6-3   215
Josh Alberius        RHP   R/R   R-So   5-11   180
Zach Jackson         RHP   R/R   So   6-4   215   
Parker Sanburn       RHP   R/R   R-Fr   6-1   195   
Cannon Chadwick   RHP   R/R   So   6-0   200   
Kyle Pate               LHP   L/L   Fr   6-1   185
Ryan Fant               LHP   R/L   Fr   6-5   210

Tucker Pennell        C   R/R   Jr   6-2   200
Carson Shaddy       C   R/R   R-Fr   5-10   180       (Outfield--1st Base?)   
Chad Spanberger   C   L/R   Fr   6-2   225(1st Base--DH??)
Alex Gosser           C   L/R   So   6-0   215
      
Rick Nomura      INF   S/R   Jr   5-9   175      (2nd Base)   
Michael Bernal   INF   R/R   R-Jr   5-11   190         (SS)
Matt Campbell   INF   R/R   Jr   6-0   180   
Clark Eagan     INF   L/R   So   6-1   190     (Probable outfielder??)   
Max Hogan       INF   L/R   Jr   5-11   195   (medically cleared today)
Cullen Gassway   INF   R/R   Jr   6-2   225      (3rd Base??)   
Kevin Silky          INF   R/R   Fr   6-5   205   
                     
Darien Simms      OF   L/L   Fr   5-7   155
Luke Bonfield       OF   R/R   Fr   6-2   190
Jack Benninghoff   OF   R/R   Fr   5-11   190

Can someone help with the kids coming in this fall?   
   

[SPAL]

I guess they would be 15 recruits to play in 16.

No, I do not anticipate bringing anybody else in.

[Scott7703]

Is Matt Campbell gone?

[A_R_K_A_N_S_A_S]

I haven't given it much thought yet and haven't even listened to the press release and I'll try to follow the rules and do my complete list later, but for now:

I copied uca's post on Jackson and I agree:
The Weapon - Zach Jackson (Junior) - 93-96 with a hammer and swing and miss change.  Potential top 5 pick in 2016.  I like to have him available in the pen on Friday and Saturday just in case.  If we don't throw him out of the pen on Friday or Saturday, have him start Sunday, but he is too good IMO to just use him as a weekend starter.  He is versatile and a weapon for this team.



Infield will include Hogan, Bernal and Nomura. The only question is which one plays 2b, ss and 3b.   
1b will be the big competition and will include Spanberger, Gassaway and even Bonfield. Eagan will be able to go to the outfield now as someone will step up and hold down 1b.

Outfield will include Eagan and Benninghoff will be in the mix. If we were successful in keeping Darien Simms, I like him in LF and batting 9th or leading off. Simms will have to beat my front runner at leadoff in Nomura. I like Hogan batting #2.

McKinney and Teague are the only 2 weekend starters I have right now. Tacco will be in the pen and will play a very similar role as Jackson. Look for Chadwick to get more innings and to get some starts midweek and to steadily continue to get better each season. 

Not much will change for Shaddy except maybe not as many starts at catcher. He'll be a backup catcher, outfielder and dh. 

That's all I've got right now.
Thanks for your time and effort in doing this thread each year uca, even though you are not always right. 

[SPAL]

Is Matt Campbell gone?

Not that I'm aware.

[Scott7703]

Not that I'm aware.

You don't think he gets time in the infeld?

[flippinhogmana]

You don't think he gets time in the infeld?

I am not hearing anyone mention Silky either.

[flippinhogmana]

I also noticed that Hogan and Campbell were both recruiting from the same community college.  One would assume from that, both didnt play the same position.  If Hogan was playing 2nd, then Campbell was ss or 3rd?  Either way I see Nomura staying at 2nd.  He played 3rd a few games last year, but he was no Wernes.  I wonder if Bernal with the stronger arm might not work better there and Campbell, Nomura and Hogan working the other two spots with one backing up Bernal?  or not?

On the other hand I hate to mess with success.  You could leave ss and 2nd exactly how the year end and let Campbell, Hogan and Gassaway contend for 3rd, let Spanberger, Gassaway, Bonfield and Silky contend for 1b, LF and DH?  That would give you a contest between Shaddy, Beninghoff, Eagan and Simms for the right and center.

One thing to keep in mind, only Spanberger, Hogan, Eagan and Simms give you a left hand bat, so some platooning might also be in order.  You also have Nomura who is a switch hitter to factor in that equation as well.

Another thing to keep in mind is that with the departure of 70 % of our home runs, and 55 % of our rbis, power/slugging percentage is a consideration.  Of the players who had decent playing time last year, Shaddy and Gassaway demonstrated they are power men.  Spanberger demonstrated decent power number and rbi numbers but zero homers.  In over a hundred at bats he had the most rbis of the three but the other two had three homers and equivalent rbi/abs numbers to Spanberger.  I know a lot of people see homers in Spanberger swing, I see doubles.  He has a flat swing.  I'm not saying he cant add lift but its harder than you think. 

[SPAL]

Out of respect for UCA, whom I consider a regular and a valued member here, I pruned this thread of player development and created a new thread to discuss those type of things

[Lake City Hog]

It is obvious that we really need a LH pitcher to step up for next season.

Personally I like Bernal/Nomura up the middle, I think they work pretty well together.

How about this lineup??

2= Pennell and Gosser
3= Spanberger/Gassway
4= Nomura
5= Hogan/Gassway
6= Bernal
7=Benninghof
8=Egan
9=Bonfield/Shaddy
DH=Shaddy/Gassway

[Lake City Hog]

Went back and added Campbell, don'r know how I missed him since it was a copy/paste job! Sorry.

[jry04]

It is obvious that we really need a LH pitcher to step up for next season.

Personally I like Bernal/Nomura up the middle, I think they work pretty well together.

How about this lineup??

2= Pennell and Gosser
3= Spanberger/Gassway
4= Nomura
5= Hogan/Gassway
6= Bernal
7=Benninghof
8=Egan
9=Bonfield/Shaddy
DH=Shaddy/Gassway

We will have a few quality LHP next year, thankfully. I do not think you have to worry about that.

[Big Nasty 34]

Is Eagan athletic enough to play center?

[lefty08]

Is Eagan athletic enough to play center?

Eagan seems more of a LF to me and I think Hogan gets a shot at 3rd if his arm is good enough. We know bernal has a great arm but he also has a spectacular glovebat SD